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10 Tips for
Breastfeeding in Public
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Babies and mothers naturally belong together, and when
you take your baby with you, breastfeeding is more
likely to be successful. With a little planning and
practice, you’ll be able to nurse easily and
comfortably wherever you find yourselves.
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1. Finding the right place
Every nursing pair has different needs when it
comes to noise level, nursing position, and privacy.
You and your child have a right to have these needs
met, no matter where you are. If you feel at ease, the
people around you will, too. If you are relaxed and
confident, your baby will get started nursing more
easily. Find a place where you’re comfortable, whether
it’s a bench by a fountain, a chair in a dressing
room, or a quiet corner of your favorite coffee hut. |
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2. Timing
Be alert for your baby’s signals of hunger. Find a
place to sit and nurse at the first sign of her
discomfort. Better still, take frequent breaks and
breastfeed before you steer into the supermarket or
head for the bank. Though not all babies are
predictable, learning your baby’s rhythms will help
you plan your outings so you are in a convenient place
when she’s hungry. |
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3. Three steps to discreet nursing
1. Bring your baby close. Discreetly unfasten your nursing opening and your
bra.
2. Help your baby latch on, then arrange your clothing
to cover your breast.
3. Look up from your baby and resume your
conversation, read a magazine, or watch the passersby.
People tend to follow your gaze, so looking up will
focus them away from what's going on under your shirt.
In fact, most people will be unaware that you are
breastfeeding. Accept that some people will be
curious, and proceed with pride! |
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4. Create the mood
There’s no need to attract attention when you
don’t want it. Fumbling with your clothes or looking
around nervously will make people curious. Wear loose
fitting tops or tops with nursing openings to minimize
the amount of attention you give your clothing. Meet
people’s eyes and smile, or create your own privacy
zone by reading a book or engaging in conversation
with a friend.
“Remove yourself” without leaving the scene. Create a
private space with the positioning of your body.
Turning away from the crowd sends out a signal that
you are not available for interaction. If you choose
to, carry a scarf or baby blanket to drape over your
shoulders as you nurse. A blazer or sweater can create
privacy, too. |
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5. Going shopping
You’ll buy some extra time with a happy baby if you
nurse in the car before you go into a mall or store.
Once you’re inside, locate the lounges in your
favorite shopping areas (fitting rooms are handy,
too). Encourage stores to set up places for nursing;
for instance, if there’s space for a chair, leave a
note for the manager, or call with a suggestion.
Try nursing a younger baby in a baby carrier.
Slings make it especially easy to position a baby
to nurse while shopping. They’re very discreet, and
the closeness is a bonus for both of you.
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6. Traveling by bus, train, or plane
Even with the benefit of anonymity in a bus
station or an airport, the sheer number of passing
strangers can fluster you —and your baby. These are
scenes far removed from the peaceful privacy of your
home.
Larger airports often have lounges for breastfeeding
and diaper changing, but train and bus stations might
not. If you feel more comfortable with privacy in
these places, seek the remote seats in the waiting
areas. A traveling companion with a newspaper can
offer “cover” when you’re latching on or switching
breasts. A small blanket or a shawl will provide some
privacy for you and keep your baby warm. The less
modest among us can use this as an opportunity to
educate.
Once you’re on-board, both your seat choice and your
positioning can affect your comfort. Sitting beside a
window keeps you away from the passing crowd and makes
it less likely that your baby will be disturbed when
nursing or sleeping. |
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7. A table for two — or more
There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a restaurant meal
and feed your baby, too. Look for restaurants with
private booths or tables. Choose a seat removed from
the traffic flow. When you want to nurse, turn away to
position your baby, then turn back to face the table.
Remember the importance of body language and attitude.
A smile will convert many people from surprise or
disapproval to sympathetic understanding if your baby
is fussing or nursing. If someone complains, explain
that you are doing the best thing for your baby. If
you’re still uncomfortable, ask for a more private
table. |
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8. Dealing with family and friends
Not all of your friends and family members will be
comfortable when you breastfeed in their company.
Unfortunately, it’s often this pressure from others
that makes women nurse in hiding — or wean
prematurely. Remind your friends that you’re doing the
best thing for your child, and remind yourself that
their discomfort is their problem, not yours. You can
be sensitive to those who seem uncomfortable, but
don’t let them dissuade you from breastfeeding. With a
little gentle persuasion, friends and family may soon
be helping to create private space for you to nurse.
Most passersby won’t give you a second glance.
Is your partner embarrassed when you breastfeed in
public? Call your
La Leche League leader for ideas and a schedule of
meetings for couples. Watch how other mothers nurse at
meetings. Give your partner articles about the
benefits of breastfeeding, and talk about ways to
increase your privacy, minimize discomfort, and
support your decision to breastfeed. A partner who is
a strong ally helps make the experience a positive one
for all of you.
Encourage your partner to hold your baby as much as
possible. Skin-to-skin contact is believed to
stimulate production of the hormones that motivate
protective, supportive behaviors in men as well as
women. |
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9. The toddler challenge
Many mothers find that the higher activity level of
their nursing toddlers brings about changes in
breastfeeding. Although long nursing sessions probably
aren’t at the top of most toddlers’ “to do” lists,
toddlers do like to know the option is available, so
they check in now and then for reassurance. If your
toddler proceeds to undo the buttons on your shirt,
pull off the blanket that covers you, or reach through
your shirt for your other breast when you are away
from your home, you might feel uncomfortable.
Discouraging these habits at home will translate to
more discreet nursing in public.
If you aren’t in a position to nurse immediately, many
toddlers are amenable to a certain amount of
negotiation. Say “let’s look for a more private
place,” or “you can nurse as soon as we get to the
car” to hold off your child for the 30 seconds it
takes him to get interested in something else. Just be
sure to follow through on your promise. |
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10. Getting the support you deserve
Breastfeeding confronts the rules of our culture
that breasts should be covered in public. Those who
disapprove of breastfeeding in public probably aren’t
focusing on its purpose: nourishment of children. When
we sense disapproval from those around us, we tend to
retreat to more private places — or find ways to stop
nursing in front of others, which can be a disservice
to our children and other nursing women everywhere.
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